The short answer
HDMI or DisplayPort can carry sound, but a visible picture does not prove that the screen has speakers. Confirm the display's audio capability and select its playback endpoint before considering a graphics/display-audio driver problem.
Know what the display can receive
These checks apply to Windows 11 PCs attached by HDMI or DisplayPort, including connections through a dock. A display may expose an audio endpoint yet only offer a headphone socket, or require external speakers. Consult its model documentation. A video-only adapter or dock can also alter what audio the connection supports.
Why picture is insufficient evidence
A monitor may be capable of receiving digital audio but have no integrated speakers. Windows can still name the monitor as an output. In that case, connect compatible speakers to its documented audio-out jack if one exists, or return playback to the PC's Speakers output. Increasing Windows volume will not create speakers inside the display.
A television can show the PC desktop while its own volume is muted or a receiver is set to the wrong input. Before updating graphics drivers, check the television or receiver's sound settings using its manual. If a second source produces sound through the same input, compare the PC's selected display endpoint and connection.
With a dock, video and audio functions may use different transports. A dock with an analog headphone jack can appear as a USB audio device while the connected monitor uses a graphics audio endpoint. Identify which one the user intends to hear before selecting a package. A cable or adapter that does not carry the required audio can also defeat an otherwise healthy driver.
Test the actual display path
In Settings > System > Sound, select the output associated with the display or graphics hardware. Check the monitor's own volume and mute controls, and confirm speakers or an audio receiver are connected. Verify that the cable or adapter and dock support audio on the intended port.
- Confirm the display or receiver model supports the audio output you expect.
- Select its endpoint in Windows Sound and play a short local sample at low volume.
- Check monitor or receiver volume, input and speaker connection.
- If absent, reconnect the display and inspect the graphics/display-audio device in Device Manager.
Caution: Do not change the internal analog codec merely because HDMI sound is missing.
Separate picture from sound evidence
If PC speakers work but display sound does not, investigate endpoint selection, monitor capabilities and the display link. If the display endpoint is absent after reconnection, check the graphics maker or PC maker's support for that exact hardware and dock. If the same monitor fails to produce sound from another supported source, seek display support.
Some docking arrangements present a separate USB audio device instead of graphics audio. Identify the dock's actual exposed endpoint before selecting a package.